Montreal, Quebec, Canada producer Nicholas Craven is curating a new collaborative EP featuring one of Detroit, MI’s all-time greats, Boldy James, and Jersey City’s best, Ransom. The two crossed paths on the single “Live from the Roxy” but have also collaborated with Craven on numerous occasions, from “Fair Exchange No Robbery” to “Leader Punishment” to the “Director’s Cut” series and the “Deleted Scenes” duology. However, as a fan of both MCs since high school, Evil Dead makes me feel like we’re in for the most exciting extended game of 2026 so far.
“Sinners” begins as a cross between gangsta rap and drumsless, talking about how some people today don’t have integrity, while “Forgiveness” embraces a heavier rap-rock vibe, subtly asking their women to forgive them before the alcohol attacks their kidneys. “Collection Plates”, which features young Chris, finds the trio talking fondly about their preference for taking on roles rather than cases, while “Offerings” veers in a jazzy boom direction, talking about making money.
OT the Real takes off the drums again on “Field of Nightmares” with Boldy & Ran, talks about letting people speak out so they can run down the streets of their respective hometowns, and makes an elusive move before celebrating “Leather Sandals,” suggesting that those with weak stomachs should stay out of the kitchen. The final song, “16 Tithes,” ends “Salvation for the Wicked” with a fusion of deep chipmunk soul and jazz rap, each intricate 16 tune continuing to detail gangster life.
We’re only a month and a half into the new year, and Nicholas Craven has brought together two of his most famous collaborators to create what could be the biggest collaborative EP of 2026, depending on whether anything happens over the next 10 months. For over two decades, Boldy James and Ransom have proven themselves to be masters of songwriting in their own right, but it’s in Craven’s work that their individual styles are combined to form the melting pot of sounds he’s known for, from boom bap and drumless to chipmunk soul and jazz rap.
Rating: 9/10
